The Faces of Princeton video segment features Jared Crooks (right), a member of Princeton's class of 2011 who earned a degree in astrophysical sciences, and his mentor David Spergel, the Charles A. Young Professor of Astronomy on the Class of 1897 Foundation. "I think one of the empowering and demanding things about Princeton is a sense that you should do great things," said Spergel, who earned his undergraduate degree from the University in 1982.

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Video feature: Faces of Princeton

Posted June 9, 2011; 12:00 p.m.

by Staff

Teacher. Adviser. Mentor. Professor David Spergel, a member of Princeton's class of 1982, has carried those titles for a generation of Princeton undergraduates.

Jared Crooks, who graduated this May with a degree in astrophysical sciences, knows how special it is to work closely with Spergel, professor of astrophysical sciences and chair of the Department of Astrophysical Sciences. In this video feature, Crooks talks about finding his way in astrophysics at Princeton with his mentor Spergel, and the unique opportunities that this path has afforded him.

"Thank you," Crooks says to Spergel, the Charles A. Young Professor of Astronomy on the Class of 1897 Foundation. "Your openness, strength and wisdom have been fundamental to my time at Princeton."